Grants for Nonprofits - Science and Technology

The Community Development Corporation Grant Program, offered by the City of Akron, Ohio, is designed to partner with Community Development Corporations (CDCs) to invest in projects that foster population and tax revenue growth. This is achieved through the revitalization and repurposing of vacant, underutilized, blighted, or historic buildings, increased investment in place-based infrastructure, housing rehabilitation, and public services. The program's core mission aligns with promoting urban renewal and economic development within Akron's neighborhoods. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are Community Development Corporations (501(c)(3) nonprofits located within Akron, Ohio city limits) and, by extension, the residents and neighborhoods of Akron. The impact goals include creating new housing options, enabling business creation and attraction, and providing essential resources for Akron residents. The program prioritizes projects that utilize federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds to support investments, aiming to foster an environment conducive to sustainable growth and community well-being. The program focuses on several key areas. These include revitalizing and repurposing distressed properties, investing in infrastructure, improving housing, and delivering public services. Eligible organizations must demonstrate an appropriate use of funding in accordance with the CDBG purpose, hold a certificate of good standing with the State of Ohio, and be registered on SAM.gov with an active Unique Entity Identification Number. A crucial requirement is also the ability to provide documentation of at least three previous projects undertaken by the CDC within its footprint area, ensuring a track record of effective community development. Expected outcomes and measurable results include increased population and tax revenue growth, a reduction in vacant or blighted properties, an increase in new housing options, and the creation and attraction of businesses. While a specific "theory of change" or "foundation's strategic priorities" is not explicitly detailed as a separate entity, the City of Akron's strategic priority is clearly to utilize CDBG funds to stimulate local investment, enhance community infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for its residents. The overall goal is to foster an environment that attracts development and provides resources, thereby strengthening Akron's neighborhoods. The City of Akron has allocated a total of $500,000 for this grant program, with individual awards available up to $125,000 per applicant. The grant duration is one year, indicating a focus on projects with a relatively swift implementation and impact. This funding structure and duration suggest a strategy aimed at initiating and supporting tangible, short-to-medium-term development projects that contribute to the broader, long-term revitalization goals of the city.

This funding opportunity supports U.S. institutions in developing open-source science projects that improve the accessibility and reproducibility of NASA research, encouraging community engagement and collaboration.

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is currently seeking proposals for its Rocky Mountain Rangelands Program. This initiative aims to conserve, restore, and improve habitat in the Intermountain West, specifically focusing on wildlife species associated with sagebrush, irrigated meadows, and aquatic systems, while also preserving large mammal migration. NFWF's mission to sustain, restore, and enhance the nation's fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats aligns directly with the program's objectives. The target beneficiaries of this grant include ranchers, community-led organizations, and landowners in Idaho and Utah, as well as the diverse wildlife species inhabiting these rangelands, such as sagebrush sparrow, sage thrasher, mule deer, pronghorn, and Greater and/or Gunnison sage-grouse. The program's impact goals are centered on accelerating and implementing voluntary conservation practices to achieve sustainable livestock production, enhanced wildlife habitat, improved ecosystem services (including carbon sequestration), and increased landscape permeability for wildlife. Priority will be given to projects that promote innovations in grazing management, strategic management of annual invasive grasses, habitat enhancement (through mesic area/wet meadow, sagebrush restoration, and conifer removal), fence removal or modification, and the provision of technical assistance to landowners. In Idaho, there's a dedicated focus on supporting positions to integrate Farm Bill programs with the Big Game Migration Initiative. In Utah, funding is available to facilitate conservation practices on working lands and to support positions that increase the pace and scale of voluntary perpetual conservation easements through ACEP-ALE delivery and RCPP technical assistance. Expected outcomes include the adoption of cost-effective and sustainable conservation approaches, direct benefits to priority wildlife species, and increased landowner enrollment in Farm Bill programs. The program anticipates awarding between 10-20 grants, with a suggested minimum of $100,000, and projects may span one to three years. Measurable results will likely involve tracking acres restored, number of fences modified, and improvements in wildlife populations. This program exemplifies NFWF's strategic priority of fostering collaborative, science-based conservation efforts and their theory of change, which posits that strategic investment in voluntary, on-the-ground conservation with strong partnerships leads to tangible and lasting benefits for both wildlife and working lands. The program is supported by major private funding from Cargill, Taco Bell, Nestlé, Capri Holding Ltd., and federal funding from the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Natural Resources Conservation Service.

The Community Foundation of Chippewa County in Wisconsin is offering grants ranging from $500 to $6,500 to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that benefit the communities of Chippewa County, with a focus on projects that promote arts, culture, community development, education, environment, animal welfare, health and human services, and demonstrate sustainability and strong volunteer involvement.

This grant provides funding for researchers and educational institutions to develop innovative cybersecurity solutions and enhance workforce training in the field of cybersecurity and privacy.

The NIST-Hawaii Partnership in Plastic Pollution Research is seeking applications from eligible applicants to establish an institutional award, as described in the Department of Commerce Grants and Cooperative Agreements Manual, Chapter 6.A.2 (20 April 2021), for activities to partner on the nations priority plastic pollution research with efforts focusing on the Hawaiian Island region. Eligible applicants should describe how they can host and interact with at least three NIST scientists with office, laboratory and other appropriate facilities to perform multi-disciplinary plastic pollution research with the intent to establish a long-term partnership between NIST and the recipient, as discussed in Section I.1. The proposal should also include a description of administrative, research and outreach/educational support that would be offered by the applicant in the partnership to achieve world-class research in the field of plastic pollution.

The James City County Good Neighbor Grant Program aims to enrich neighborhoods by fostering community spirit and environmental well-being through sustainable community planning. This grant seeks to align with a broader mission of promoting civic pride and environmental stewardship among residents by encouraging active participation in maintaining and enhancing communal spaces. The program's core objective is to empower community members to take ownership and responsibility for their shared environments. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are the community members within James City County, with a focus on neighborhoods seeking to improve their common areas. The program's impact goals center on enhancing the physical aspects of these communal spaces, leading to a more vibrant and environmentally healthy community. This includes improvements in areas such as community gardens, entryway landscaping, trail systems, communal composting, and playground or pool area aesthetics. The program prioritizes projects that focus on environmental quality and the minimization of negative impacts. This includes initiatives like the installation of native plants to support local ecosystems, the implementation of erosion control methods to protect natural resources, and place-making efforts that create inviting and functional spaces for residents. Additionally, the grant encourages projects that consider energy-saving techniques and litter prevention measures, further contributing to a sustainable and clean environment. Expected outcomes include a visible improvement in the physical appearance and ecological health of common areas, leading to increased community engagement and a stronger sense of shared responsibility. Measurable results could include the number of native plants installed, linear feet of trails improved, or the establishment of new community gardens. The program's theory of change posits that by providing financial support and encouraging community-led initiatives, residents will be more invested in their neighborhoods, fostering a positive cycle of environmental improvement and social cohesion. Matching grant awards up to $500 demonstrate a commitment to supporting these local efforts.

This funding opportunity supports innovative research projects aimed at developing new therapies for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), encouraging high-risk ideas that include biomarker development to guide future clinical applications.

This funding opportunity supports research and technology development in advanced telecommunications systems for various industries, including healthcare and transportation, targeting academic institutions, nonprofits, and businesses to foster innovation and collaboration.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for research initiatives that enhance fire management practices and preparedness in response to changing wildfire conditions, targeting a diverse range of eligible applicants including nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal organizations nationwide.

To implement a project aimed at advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security priorities by supporting initiatives that make decision-making structures and processes in fragile, conflict, or crisis-affected contexts more reflective of and responsive to the needs and perspectives of partner states to ensure strategic trade control systems meet international standards and by engaging on bilateral, regional and multilateral levels with foreign governments to aid in the establishment of independent capabilities to regulate transfers of weapons of mass destruction, WMD-related items, conventional arms, and related dual-use items, and to detect, interdict, investigate, and prosecute illicit transfers of such items.

This program provides funding and leadership opportunities for high school students in DeKalb County, Illinois, to engage in philanthropy and support initiatives that improve the quality of life for local youth.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Maui County that are working to improve access to healthy food for families affected by food insecurity.

The EHDA supports the initial exploration of innovative, high-risk, high-gain, and potentially groundbreaking concepts in the TSC research field. The studies supported by this award mechanism are expected to generate preliminary data for future avenues of scientific investigation. The proposed research project should include a well-formulated, testable hypothesis based on a strong scientific rationale and study design. Applications should demonstrate the ability to achieve interpretable results in the absence of preliminary data supporting the hypothesis.The following are important aspects of the EHDA: Innovation: Innovative research may introduce a new paradigm, challenge existing paradigms, examine existing problems from new perspectives, or exhibit other highly creative qualities. Research that is an incremental advance upon published data is not considered innovative and is not consistent with the intent of the award mechanism. Although not all-inclusive, the following examples are ways in which the proposed research project may be innovative: Explores a novel idea and/or research question in TSC research and/or patient care. Uses or develops novel methods or technologies to address a question in TSC research and/or patient care. Applies or adapts existing methods or technologies for novel TSC research or clinical purposes that differ fundamentally from those originally intended.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits, schools, and civic organizations in Columbia County, New York, to develop programs that help young people transition from education to the workforce through internships, skill-building, and entrepreneurial opportunities.

This funding opportunity is designed for partners affiliated with the Great Lakes-Northern Forest CESU to conduct research that supports the restoration and management of coastal ecosystems in the Great Lakes Basin, focusing on issues like invasive species and nutrient dynamics.

This funding opportunity supports researchers at universities and national laboratories in the U.S. to conduct innovative, hypothesis-driven studies in basic plasma science and engineering, focusing on understanding complex plasma behaviors and processes.

This funding opportunity supports community-driven projects that improve water quality and promote environmental stewardship in the Twin Cities area, targeting eligible non-profits, schools, and local organizations.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and city departments in Tucson to implement public service projects that assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families, focusing on issues like homelessness, health equity, and access to affordable housing.

The Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund, established at the Rhode Island Foundation, is dedicated to supporting charitable Jewish community organizations that serve the greater Providence area. This fund aligns with the foundation's broader mission to enhance community well-being by specifically addressing the needs and fostering the culture of the Jewish community within the region. The grant program's overview emphasizes a commitment to strengthening Jewish life while also promoting connections and understanding with the wider Rhode Island population. The target beneficiaries for this grant are primarily Jewish community organizations located in and serving the greater Providence area, with an overarching goal to impact both the Jewish community and all Rhode Islanders. Impact goals include fostering connections between the Jewish community and other Rhode Islanders, deepening understanding of Jewish life and culture, providing essential human needs, and supporting the organizational development of Jewish institutions. Projects must be non-sectarian and reach beyond an institution's core constituency, highlighting a focus on broad community benefit. The program prioritizes projects that develop connections between the Jewish community and all Rhode Islanders through community service, those that deepen understanding of Jewish life and culture through scholarship and historic preservation, initiatives that provide basic human needs (food, clothing, housing, prescription assistance), and efforts supporting organizational development such as strategic planning, board development, and program evaluation. Capacity building requests require a scope of work. Capital requests are explicitly not considered, focusing resources on programmatic and organizational development. Expected outcomes include clearly stated goals, objectives, and measurable results from funded proposals. The foundation anticipates that successful organizations will demonstrate the capacity to implement their proposals effectively and outline clear sustainability plans. Ultimately, the grants aim to result in stronger Jewish institutions, increased community understanding, improved provision of basic human needs, and more vibrant connections between the Jewish community and the broader Rhode Island population. The foundation's strategic priorities for this fund revolve around fostering community connections, preserving cultural heritage, addressing fundamental human needs, and enhancing the operational capabilities of Jewish organizations. Its theory of change appears to be that by investing in these key areas, it can strengthen the Jewish community in Providence, facilitate greater integration and understanding with the wider population, and ensure the long-term vitality and impact of Jewish institutions in the region. The emphasis on non-sectarian projects that reach beyond a core constituency further underscores a commitment to inclusive community building.